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VOL. 6, ISSUE 3 (2024)
The seed dispersal mechanism of Pteropus giganteus and Cynopterus sphinx in Kerala
Authors
Prasad E R
Abstract
The study investigated the foraging mechanism of Pteropus giganteus
(Indian flying fox) and Cynopterus sphinx potential role as a seed
disperser in the Kerala. Over 2 years of period, field study was conducted for
the identification of food plants and seed dispersal of Pteropus giganteus
and Cynopterus sphinx by direct observations or indirectly by the
analysis of eject found on ground. Observation were made on seven colonies of
day roost in undisturbed areas, amongst which six of them were in sacred
grooves one in the protected area. Over 36 different plant seeds were collected
from the ejected materials as chewed fruits, fresh seeds or faecal materials. The
result indicates that Pteropus is playing a vital role as a seed
disperser in plants like Anacardium occidentale, Areca catechu, Manilkara
achras, Mangifera indica and Psidium gujava which are highly
demanding plants in the market. The study shows that both P.giganteus and
C. sphinx is important in the forest regeneration and maintenance of sacred
grooves and even small disturbance hurt the colonies which tend to shift their
roost elsewhere. Here we found that pure bond between plant bat interactions,
plant providing food for bat and bat play key role as a seed disperser. Cynopterus
sphinx unable to carry large seeds it dispersed seeds through faecal
materials mainly but small fruits able to carry.
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Pages:18-21
How to cite this article:
Prasad E R "The seed dispersal mechanism of <i>Pteropus giganteus </i>and<i> Cynopterus sphinx </i>in Kerala". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 6, Issue 3, 2024, Pages 18-21
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